Trend is a recreation of thrones, and Donatella Versace? She’s been holding the crown with a platinum grip since ‘97. The Medusa queen, dripped in gold and leather-based, took the reins after Gianni’s tragic passing and turned Versace into a good louder, shinier, extra in-your-face juggernaut. However now, she’s stepping again, making room for the following chapter. Ain’t no tears—solely respect.
As a result of right here’s the factor: Donatella made certain Versace wasn’t only for the elite—it was for the icons. Those who walked in a room and made time cease. And let’s be actual, a number of the most legendary moments in Versace historical past belong to Black celebrities who wore it like armor, artwork and angle multi functional. Let’s run it again—seven occasions Black stars ate in Versace and left no crumbs.
Naomi Campbell—The Blueprint
Earlier than influencers have been “setting traits,” Naomi was the pattern. She was Gianni’s muse, Donatella’s ceaselessly favourite, and the lady who may flip a gold-plated mini costume right into a cultural second. She stomped Versace runways within the ‘90s like she owned them—as a result of, truthfully, she did.
Beyoncé on the On The Run Tour in 2014
Beyoncé in Versace? Automated slay. However that Versace printed one piece? Untouchable. She gave just a little Sasha Fierce —drama, decadence and a reminder that Versace has all the time been about energy dressing for the gods.
Chadwick Boseman’s 2018 Met Gala Look
Heavenly Our bodies? Extra like divine intervention. The late, nice Chadwick Boseman floated into the 2018 Met Gala in a customized white and gold Versace cape swimsuit that made him appear like a warrior priest from one other realm. A real king, decked out in a home that is aware of tips on how to costume royalty.
Zendaya’s Fireplace Crimson Carpet Robe on the 2023 NAACP Picture Awards
Should you ever wanted proof that Versace understands drama, look no additional than Zendaya’s cherry-red corseted robe. Previous Hollywood, new-school flex—she gave us the most effective of each. And Donatella? She’s all the time had a watch for the longer term.
Lil Nas X in Gold Armor on the 2021 Met Gala
Versace isn’t simply trend—it’s a full cinematic second. And Lil Nas X took that memo and ran with it on the 2021 Met Gala, serving up three dramatic appears to be like, ending in a gold-plated swimsuit of armor. Donatella understood the task, and so did he.
So, yeah—Donatella may be stepping down, however the impression? Everlasting. She gave us maximalism, she gave us rockstar vitality, she gave us Black icons trying like gods. And that legacy? That’s ceaselessly.